Teaching and Learning
Our pedagogical philosophy at WCI Pune centres around Responsive Teaching. This means that we have high expectations for all and that lessons offer the appropriate level of challenge for each pupil so that they are pushed beyond their comfort zone and into the learning zone, but without becoming overwhelmed. Experience has shown us that whilst Independent Learning is a worthy destination, it is not an effective means of travel in itself. Our teaching therefore moves constantly along the continuum of help, beginning with clear explanation and developing through models and worked examples, with scaffolding being gradually removed at an appropriate pace. We aim to teach for mastery and deep learning rather than performance and our lessons are designed to challenge, engage and inspire. We appreciate the value of many pedagogical methods and we employ them with skill and enthusiasm, but we also believe that lessons are best when pupils are actively involved in a dynamic process of thinking, discovering and constructing meaning. Many lessons will involve guided discussions and all will include careful questioning and checking for understanding by the teacher in a variety of ways.
Key Stage 3 Academic Departments
Key Stage 3 (KS3) is the English National Curriculum taught to children between the ages of 11 and 14 during the first 3 years of senior school. The year groups are labelled as Years 7, 8 and 9 (equivalent to Indian Grades 6, 7 and 8). The Curriculum consists of three core subjects to include Maths, English and Sciences along with 9 foundation subjects as outlined below.
KS3, or Lower Senior as it is called at WCI Pune, is a formative and tremendously exciting period in a child’s academic journey. Pupils are at an age where they have the intellectual and practical skills to articulate and opinion and express their voice. At the same time, they are open to learning about different perspectives and unique ways of viewing the world. As pupils move through KS3 our aim is to harness this intellectual curiosity and engender in pupils a genuine thirst for learning. KS3 is a pivotal moment in the development of organisational and learning skills that form the bedrock of future IGCSE study. The subject areas of KS3 are as follows:
- Art & Design Technology
- Computer Science
- Drama/Dance
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Modern Foreign Languages (options in French, Spanish & German, together with focus on Marathi)
- Music
- Physical Education & Games
- Sciences
- Wellbeing and Global Leadership
- Global Social Leaders
